Changes

The appropriateness making mention of Donald Cox in this section of the assembly history must be obvious to all. True, he has not gone abroad to a distant land, but he and his family had to learn another language, French. They had also to master, at least to a considerable degree, another culture; this can be very difficult for some. While [[Quebec][] is neighbor to ][[Ontario]][[Quebec][], it presents some of the problems of a foreign country to one who knows only the English language and culture.In 1958 Donald Cox was commended to the work of the Lord in Quebec jointly by the assemblies in MacNab Street, Hamilton, Ontario, and [[Palos Hills Christian Assembly, IL|86th Street]], Chicago, [[Illinois]], U.S.A.

In 1958 Donald Cox was commended to the work of the Lord in Quebec jointly by the assemblies in MacNab Street, Hamilton, Ontario, and [[Palos Hills Christian Assembly, IL|86th Street]], Chicago, [[Illinois]], U.S.A. For fourteen years our brother has diligently served the Lord in Drummondville. After these many years in that city, our brother became exercised before the Lord to move to the Gaspe Peninsula. He now lives in Ste-Anne-des-Monts, Gaspe Nord, [[Quebec]]. This is some four hundred miles north of his former home. In this northern area there is ample scope for pioneering. There are numerous towns and villages surrounding Ste-Anne-des-Monts, and in these some contacts have been made through radio and television ministry. A deep concern of our brother is that there are no French assemblies throughout the Gaspe Peninsula.]

[[Quebec][] "They are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love" (II Cor. 8:23-24).That the Lord has sustained the MacNab assembly by efficient administration and by the ministry of spiritual gifts, which he has developed locally, has been fully demonstrated. He also has supplemented these services and ministries by using other servants of Christ who, from elsewhere, have taken up residence in the Hamilton area. These beloved brethren, although establishing their homes in the City, continued their itinerant ministry among the assemblies in [[Canada]] and the [[United States]].

That the Lord has sustained the MacNab assembly by efficient administration and by One of the ministry earliest of spiritual giftsthese, which he has developed locallyif not the earliest, has been fully demonstratedwas Joseph Douglas. He also has supplemented these services and ministries by using other servants of Christ whoThis brother was born in Limivady, [[Northern Ireland|Ireland]], from elsewhereon July 13, have taken up residence in the Hamilton area1869. These beloved brethrenIn youth, before God saved him, although establishing their homes in he was pursuing the Citynecessary education to become an attorney at law, continued their itinerant ministry among but he eventually dismissed this objective and immigrated to the assemblies [[United States]] where he took up residence in Detroit, [[Michigan]]. There he learned from [[CanadaThomas Donald William Muir|T.D.W. Muir]] the ways of the Lord more perfectly and some years later was commended to full time work for God by the [[United StatesCentral Gospel Hall, Detroit, MI|Central Assembly]], Detroit. He was not very robust, but when cautioned by the doctor to take things more easily, he replied, "How can I when there is so much to do?" he literally wore himself out in the service of the Lord.From Detroit he moved to Newbury, [[Ontario]], and from there to Hamilton where his presence and ministry were a benefit to the MacNab Assembly.

One Because of the earliest condition of theseMrs. Douglas' health, if not the earliesthe was forced to move back to Detroit so that his wife, who suffered from severe paralysis, was Joseph Douglasmight be with her sisters. This brother Although he was born probably only two years in LimivadyHamilton, [[Northern Ireland|Ireland]]he became well known and greatly loved and highly respected.While visiting back in Newbury, he contracted pneumonia and passed home to be with the Lord on July 13November 28, 1904, 1869at 36 years of age. In youth, before God saved him, he was pursuing the necessary education to become an attorney at law, but he eventually dismissed this objective and immigrated to copy of ''Our Record'' for the [[United States]] where he took up residence in Detroitmonth that followed, [[Michigan]]. There he learned from [[Thomas Donald William Muir|T.D.W. Muir]] wrote in the ways obituary: "Another of the Lord more perfectly and some years later was commended to full time work for God by the [[Central Gospel Hall, Detroit, MI|Central Assembly]], Detroit. He was not very robust, but when cautioned by the doctor to take things more easily, he replied, "How those who can I when there is be so much ill be spared has gone from us, to do?" he literally wore himself out in the service of be with the Lord".

From Detroit he moved The family took the remains to Newbury, [[Ontario]]Hamilton for burial, where brethren D. Munro and from there to W.P. Douglas (no relative) spoke the word."Among the church notices in the Hamilton where his presence and ministry were Herald, April 18, 1914, a benefit to newspaper long since discontinued, there is an insertion which reads: "Christians gathered unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ meet at the Gospel Hall, 140 MacNab AssemblyStreet North. Because Lord's Day: Breaking of Bread, 11:00 a.m., Sunday School and Bible Class, 2:45 p.m. Mr. Robert McCrory from Ulster and Mr. George Duncan from Cleveland will preach at 3:45 and 7:00 p.m."This apparently was the condition announcement of Mrs. Douglasbrother McCrory' healths first visit to the City, he was forced later adopted as his home. He had immigrated to move back to Detroit so that his wife[[Canada]] in 1910, who suffered but in 1914 moved from severe paralysis, might be with her sistersthe Maritime Provinces to Hamilton. Although There he was probably only two years in Hamiltonresided until 1961 when, after the passing of his wife, he became well known and greatly loved and highly respectedreturned to Ireland.

While visiting back in Newbury, There he contracted pneumonia and passed went home to be with the Lord on November 28in October, 1964.It was written of him: "He was a man of the Book and ever sought to expound its meaning. When conflicting influences would have divided, and in some parts did, 1904the assemblies, at 36 years he firmly attested to the supreme authority of agethe Holy Scriptures in ALL MATTERS OF church administration. In When amillenarian doctrine was being propagated among some of the assemblies, distressing the copy minds of God''Our Record'' for s people, his clear teaching on the doctrine of the imminent return of the Lord preserved in many hearts the living hope of the soon return of the heavenly bridgegroom."Brother David Kirk a fellow-countryman of Robert McCrory, also started his service in Canada in the month that followedMaritime Provinces, but eventually moved to Hamilton, [[Thomas Donald William Muir|T.D.W. MuirOntario]] wrote in . He was on a visit to Ireland at the obituary: "Another time of those who can be so ill be spared has gone from us, brother McCrory's final illness and death. Brother Kirk was able to be visit him and along with Robert Wright formerly of Japan, he conducted the Lordfuneral services... The family took the remains to Hamilton for burialBrother Kirk was reared in Belfast, [[Northern Ireland|Ireland]], where brethren D. Munro and W.P. Douglas (no relative) spoke as a youth found all the needs of his heart in the wordEbenezer Assembly of that City."

Among the In it he was saved, baptized, received into church notices fellowship, and from that assembly in the Hamilton HeraldAugust of 1931, April 18, 1914he was commended, in a newspaper long since discontinued, there is an insertion which reads: "Christians gathered unto full time capacity to the name work of the Lord Jesus Christ meet at in [[Canada]]. He lived and labored from the Gospel Halltime of his arrival until 1942 principally in the Maritime Provinces, 140 MacNab Street Northbut that year he moved to Stirling, Ontario. During the years he lived there his service for the Lord's Day: Breaking expanded to a wider sphere of Breadministry. Finally, 11:00 a.m.in 1948, Sunday School our brother came and Bible Classsettled in Hamilton, 2:45 p.m. Mr. Robert McCrory from Ulster and Mrever since has been in intimate fellowship in the MacNab, now the West Fifth Assembly. George Duncan from Cleveland will preach at 3:45 His presence and 7:00 p.mhis ministry are a blessing to the saints in the assembly."

This apparently was the announcement of brother McCrory's first visit to the City, he later adopted as his home. He had immigrated to [[Canada]] in 1910, but in 1914 moved from the Maritime Provinces to Hamilton. There he resided until 1961 when, after the passing of his wife, he returned to Ireland. There he went home to be with the Lord in October, 1964. It was written of him: "He was a man of the Book and ever sought to expound its meaning. When conflicting influences would have divided, and in some parts did, the assemblies, he firmly attested to the supreme authority of the Holy Scriptures in ALL MATTERS OF church administration. When amillenarian doctrine was being propagated among some of the assemblies, distressing the minds of God's people, his clear teaching on the doctrine of the imminent return of the Lord preserved in many hearts the living hope of the soon return of the heavenly bridgegroom." Brother David Kirk a fellow-countryman of Robert McCrory, also started his service in Canada in the Maritime Provinces, but eventually moved to Hamilton, [[Ontario]]. He was on a visit to Ireland at the time of brother McCrory's final illness and death. Brother Kirk was able to visit him and along with Robert Wright formerly of Japan, he conducted the funeral services. Brother Kirk was reared in Belfast, [[Northern Ireland|Ireland]], and as a youth found all the needs of his heart in the Ebenezer Assembly of that City. In it he was saved, baptized, received into church fellowship, and from that assembly in August of 1931, he was commended, in a full time capacity to the work of the Lord in [[Canada]]. He lived and labored from the time of his arrival until 1942 principally in the Maritime Provinces, but that year he moved to Stirling, Ontario. During the years he lived there his service for the Lord expanded to a wider sphere of ministry. Finally, in 1948, our brother came and settled in Hamilton, and ever since has been in intimate fellowship in the MacNab, now the West Fifth Assembly. His presence and his ministry are a blessing to the saints in the assembly. It is appropriate that brother Donald Moffatt be mentioned in this chapter. He has given many years of his life to the dissemination of the truth of God. He labored for years in [[Newfoundland]], Canada, and while there founded the radio broadcast, ''Family bible Hour''. This broadcast, of which he is still a director, today is heard in many parts of the world. It has brought life and instruction to large numbers of listeners, both saved and unsaved. After brother Moffatt left [[Newfoundland]], he spent some years on the Pacific Coast preaching the gospel and ministering God's Word among the assemblies. Eventually he returned east and settled in Hamilton, making MacNab Assembly his home. Although now engaged in secular business, he still spends much time in ministry among assemblies and at conferences. He faithfully serves the [[West Fifth Bible Chapel, Hamilton, ON|West Fifth Assembly]] with other elders seeking to shepherd the flock of God within which he has located.]

[[Quebec][] "Gather My saints together unto Me; those that have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice" (Psalms 50:5). One of the practices that has contributed to the spiritual health and vigor of the assembly at MacNab Street, Hamilton, is the annual convention. In the early years the three day conference was conducted around the time of the New Year. [[Thomas Donald William Muir|T.D.W. Muir]] gives an account of the first of these conferences in the chapter entitled "Canadian Recollections" in the biography of Mr. Donald Ross. He writes: "I remember... the first conference held in Hamilton, [[Ontario]], or, for that matter, among the assemblies gathered to the name of the Lord on this side of the water. The date was, I think, New Year, 1877." There is a note in ''The Witness'' of December 1927, in which the same brother, T.D.W. Muir, tells who the speakers were at this first conference. He writes: "I have just returned from attendance at the 53rd Convention held annually at Hamilton, Ontario. It is now held at Canadian Thanksgiving time. I was at the first one when about 75 were gathered from the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]. Such stalwarts as Donald Ross, Donald Munro, [[John Smith]], James Campbell, James Smith, Henry Ironside, John Carnie and others were with us. This year nearly 1,000 came together." "Donald Ross' address (given at that first conference) deeply impressed many. He spoke from John's Gospel Chapter 21." "Many," continues brother Muir, "who were at that conference have gone home to glory since then, but many are still with us, and there are few of them who heard those words that have forgotten them. The savor of them still lives." The fifth conference, that of 1881 was advertised in ''The Barley Cake'' (an assembly magazine edited by Donald Ross) of December 1880. It reads: "Christian Convention in Hamilton, Ontario, on 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th of January, 1881. The 'Larkin Hall' situated on John Street near King has been secured for the meetings. The meetings will be as follows: On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, for prayer, praise and ministry of the Word, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. On Lord's Day, 16th, January: Breaking of Bread at 10 a.m. Ministry of the Word, 2 p.m. Gospel Meeting 7 p.m." In a report covering that conference we read: "Gospel meetings were held in the evenings, and were addressed by brethren: [[John Smith|Smith]], A. Marshall, W.P. Charles, J. Grimason, J.N. Carnie, Martin, Hughes, etc. There was much blessing every evening. The last Gospel Meeting was held in the 'Grand Opera House', a newly erected building which holds 1,500, but that evening between extra seats and standing there would be, no doubt, between 1,800 and 2,000 people. The rush was such, the doors had to be closed twenty minutes before time. Hundreds on hundreds returned home, and many remained on the street in the frost and snow, and we addressed them under the canopy of heaven".Another entry reads: "These Hamilton conferences have been a very great blessing to the Lord's people, and doubtless they will continue so, as long as there is liberty to preach all God's truth unreservedly." At the beginning of 1910 the assembly began to advertise the regular meetings and special events in the ''Hamilton Herald''. These advertisements indicate that the saints enjoyed visits from such servants of Christ as: W.B. Johnston, D. McGeachy, George Duncan, Matthew Muir, [[John Smith]], [[Thomas Donald William Muir|T.D.W. Muir]], W.P. Douglas, Robert McCrory, W.J. McClure, Robert Telfer, Charles Ross, Geo. Gould, etc.

In the January 17th 1914 issue of the The date was, I think, New Year, 1877."There is a note in ''HeraldThe Witness'' there is an announcement of December 1927, in which the 39th Christian Conferencesame brother, T.D. For some reason it W. Muir, tells who the speakers were at this first conference. He writes: "I have just returned from attendance at the 53rd Convention held annually at Hamilton, Ontario. It is now held at Canadian Thanksgiving time. I was late that year; scheduled for January 23rd-25that the first one when about 75 were gathered from the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]. The meetings on Friday Such stalwarts as Donald Ross, Donald Munro, [[John Smith]], James Campbell, James Smith, Henry Ironside, John Carnie and Saturday others were held in the Gospel Hallwith us. This year nearly 1, 140 MacNab Street000 came together. On the Lord" "Donald Ross' address (given at that first conference) deeply impressed many. He spoke from John's Day they Gospel Chapter 21.""Many," continues brother Muir, "who were held in the Association Hall corner at that conference have gone home to glory since then, but many are still with us, and there are few of them who heard those words that have forgotten them. The savor of James and Jackson Streetsthem still lives.

"The fifth conference, that of 1881 was advertised in ''HeraldThe Barley Cake'' also carries (an advertisement assembly magazine edited by Donald Ross) of December 1880. It reads: "Christian Convention in its issue Hamilton, Ontario, on 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th of January 14, 1916, of another conference scheduled 1881. The 'Larkin Hall' situated on John Street near King has been secured for January 21st-23rdthe meetings. All these The meetingswill be as follows: On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with for prayer, praise and ministry of the exception Word, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. On Lord's Day, 16th, January: Breaking of Bread at 10 a.m. Ministry of the prayer meeting which was Word, 2 p.m. Gospel Meeting 7 p.m."In a report covering that conference we read: "Gospel meetings were held in the Gospel Hallevenings, and were addressed by brethren: [[John Smith|Smith]], A. Marshall, W.P. Charles, J. Grimason, J.N. Carnie, Martin, Hughes, etc. There was much blessing every evening. The last Gospel Meeting was held in the I'Grand Opera House', a newly erected building which holds 1,500, but that evening between extra seats and standing there would be, no doubt, between 1,800 and 2,000 people.OThe rush was such, the doors had to be closed twenty minutes before time.O.F. temple Hundreds on hundreds returned home, and many remained on Gore Street the street in downtown Hamiltonthe frost and snow, and we addressed them under the canopy of heaven".

In Another entry reads: "These Hamilton conferences have been a very great blessing to the ILord's people, and doubtless they will continue so, as long as there is liberty to preach all God's truth unreservedly.O"At the beginning of 1910 the assembly began to advertise the regular meetings and special events in the ''Hamilton Herald''.OThese advertisements indicate that the saints enjoyed visits from such servants of Christ as: W.B. Johnston, D. McGeachy, George Duncan, Matthew Muir, [[John Smith]], [[Thomas Donald William Muir|T.FD. building the Hamilton Annual Conference was held for many years; in factW. Muir]], W.P. Douglas, until it burned down on November 2-3Robert McCrory, 1939W.J. ImaginationMcClure, activated by memoryRobert Telfer, pictures happy scenes during the occasionsCharles Ross, Geo. Even now it is not difficult to visualize George Gould senior on , etc.In the platform preaching from January 17th 1914 issue of the text, "This Man receiveth sinners and eateth with them". Nor ''Herald'' there is it hard to recall the advice to younger servants an announcement of the Lord given W39th Christian Conference.JFor some reason it was late that year; scheduled for January 23rd-25th. McClureThe meetings on Friday and Saturday were held in the Gospel Hall, 140 MacNab Street. He spoke, so he said, as a father among us and gave us words On the Lord's Day they were held in the Association Hall corner of instruction, encouragement James and cautionJackson Streets.

How nostalgic are the recollections The ''Herald'' also carries an advertisement in its issue of delightful fellowship with beloved brethren such as Charles RossJanuary 14, Leonard Sheldrake1916, Tom Wilkieof another conference scheduled for January 21st-23rd. All these meetings, John Fergusonwith the exception of the prayer meeting which was held in the Gospel Hall, John Dickson, Ben Bradford, Robert Crawfordwere held in the I.O.O.F. temple on Gore Street in downtown Hamilton.In the I.O.O.F. building the Hamilton Annual Conference was held for many years; in fact, George Shivasuntil it burned down on November 2-3, Dr1939. MatthewsImagination, Fred Nugentactivated by memory, Cpictures happy scenes during the occasions.F. HoggEven now it is not difficult to visualize George Gould senior on the platform preaching from the text, "This Man receiveth sinners and a host of otherseateth with them". What delightful experiences they were!

Nor is it hard to recall the advice to younger servants of the Lord given W.J. McClure. He spoke, so he said, as a father among us and gave us words of instruction, encouragement and caution.How nostalgic are the recollections of delightful fellowship with beloved brethren such as Charles Ross, Leonard Sheldrake, Tom Wilkie, John Ferguson, John Dickson, Ben Bradford, Robert Crawford, George Shivas, Dr. Matthews, Fred Nugent, C.F. Hogg, and a host of others. What delightful experiences they were! The conferences which had been so beneficial to so many both at home in Hamilton and in other cities and towns did not end with the conflagration that destroyed the I.O.O.F. temple. The brethren sought out another large auditorium, The Scottish Rite Cathedral, and there for many more years the annual conferences were held with equal interest and profit.

Through certain circumstances and with the building of the West Fifth Chapel, the conferences for three years have been held in the assembly auditorium. Emmanuel is Jehovah. "God with us" is the Eternal Immutable One. Any change of location does not in anywise affect Him. His promise is true, "Lo, I am with you alway."A journalist's account of the 79th Annual Conference, written by Mrs. George Bentley, which appeared in the Hamilton Spectator on Oct. 9, 1954:

A journalist'''Christian Conference recalls early customs''':The weekend will see again an unusual occasion which has occurred yearly for 79 years since this city's account of the 79th Annual Conferenceearly days. Several hundred visitors are fed and lodged for two full days, written by Mrsmostly... even today... George Bentley, which appeared in the Hamilton Spectator on Octthrough volunteer provision. 9, 1954:

'''Christian Conference recalls early customs''': The weekend will see again an unusual occasion which has occurred yearly for 79 years since this city's early days. Several hundred visitors are fed and lodged for two full days, mostly... even today... through volunteer provision.  '''Offered their best''': The seventy-ninth annual conference of Christians continues, as from its earliest days, to draw large numbers from out of town as well as this district. It is held under the auspices of the MacNab Street Gospel Hall. One of the few such gatherings in this country in early times, the purpose was to provide ministry of the Word of God to Christians who were isolated from worship and fellowship throughout rural areas at that time. Then, it was held in January, the slack time of the year for country people. Mother and Father bundled themselves and the whole family into the horse and wagon or "rig", leaving the hired man to do the chores, and set off for Hamilton. With them they brought provisions, such as a pair of geese, a barrel of apples, or a sack of potatoes... all the best they had, as a kind of "first fruit" contribution to the occasion. Though the MacNab Street group of Christians was a small assembly of far less than 100 then, who met in a hall at Merrick and MacNab Streets, they made room in their homes for all who came. Hospitality has always been one of the principles of the conference.

SOme Some of the older members of today remember the upheavals in their homes. Their parents made room for up to two dozen visitors. Collapsible beds were brought out. When mattresses fell short, mattress covers filled with fresh soft straw served. In every available corner of their homes visitors were welcomed. Meantime, the latter found places such as the old horse market of those days on John Street to "put up" their horses and wagons. Away back in the 1870's and '80's, they held these conferences in the old YMCA and the Treble Hall north of King on John Street. For meals, they had to go to a nearby hall where volunteers cooked and served hot meals. "We used to walk over singing hymns as lustily as we could, and none objected", recalls a daughter of one of those early members.

The meals, which today are served to seven or eight hundred people for two full days, have always been hearty, well prepared, and served by volunteers. By a long tried system, hundreds sit down to meals which go "like clock-work". The men assist with conference planning and in the services. The women do not have any public part, but on them falls much of the work for actual hospitality. But always there is one capable volunteer man in charge of the kitchen and dining room arrangements, and others are on hand for the heavier work and washing dishes. The women still preserve extra fruit for the conference, and make cakes and cookies and pickles. Other supplies are purchased wholesale and prepared by the volunteers in the huge quantities needed. The pies they used to make are now mostly bought. Billeting is not so much needed now, most coming by car.

For people who cannot remember early days, it is recalled that the MacNab Street group of Christians began with street corner preaching. Then the handful met in a small hall at Merrick and MacNab Streets, where they are listed in an 1879 directory as Plymouth Brethren. Preachers from outside [[Canada]] visited them. There were fiery men in those days: a [[John Smith]], a Donald Munro, a David Oliver, a Ben Bradford, and a [[Thomas David William Muir|T.D.W. Muir]]. Such men were itinerant preachers going up and down the continent preaching the gospel and a simple faith and manner of worship.These preachers would often arrive a week or two before the conference and conduct prayer meetings. Prayer meetings are still held in the week before. Often, a series of Gospel and Bible study meetings followed the conference.'''

These preachers would often arrive a week or two before the conference and conduct prayer meetings. Prayer meetings are still held in the week before. Often, a series of Gospel and Bible study meetings followed the conference. '''Stalwarts of Old''':Some of the earliest folk touched by the ministry of those days and responsible for starting the conference were: Mr. and Mrs. Tom Renton, whose home still overlooks the Bay on Bay Street North, the former being a signal inspector with the Old Grand Trunk Railway; (See [[Railroad]] for more Brethren who served in that industry.) Mr. and Mrs. William Duncan, who lived at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dundurn_Castle Dundurn Castle], the former being city gardener for many years. Mr. and Mrs. William Mullings, Mr. Mullings being a cooper on Mulberry Street; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carter; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kennedy, the former, a foreman at the cotton company; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Passmore; Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Mortimer, the former a sailor newly arrived from [[Newfoundland]] in the hope that his family would have a better chance here; a Mr. and Mrs. William Goodfellow, Mr. Charles Quee a veteran of the Crimean War; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Carroll, the former a pattern-maker; and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Anderson.

While there are many newcomers in the assembly, quite a few children and grandchildren of old-timers are taking part this weekend. This conference is still anticipated with the enthusiasm that marked its beginnings. They find Christian fellowship and the encouragement and inspiration received from gathering in large numbers. They worship, pray, and hear preaching together from able preachers. But they feel the real results depend on the blessing of God. All the effort in these more complicated times to carry such an occasion through is worth it if people receive spiritual blessing.

With simplicity always the keynote, the only music is congregational singing. The conference begins this evening in the MacNab Street Hall when visitors meet their hosts for the weekend. At the Scottish Rite, the "Breaking of Bread" service is held Sunday at 10 a.m. It is followed by dinner and Sunday School for the children, with public meetings at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. On Thanksgiving Day, meetings are at the same hours. On Tuesday morning, some still remain for an after-service, called "gathering up the fragments." Invitations of the conference have been sent out this year on behalf of the Assembly by messengers George Bentley, Joseph Smart and E.A. Bartmann.]

"Jesus... said to them, suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of God. (Mark 10:14).After a few earlier attempts which failed,

After a few earlier attempts which failed, ]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Raikes Robert Raikes] and his friend [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anson_Phelps_Stokes Stokes] were the main thrust to establishing the religious Sunday School. The first such school was opened in Gloucester, [[England]], in 1780. Their purpose was to reach particularly the children of the poor with the Word of God. Each Sunday School, whether secular (Trade Unionism and similar groups did conduct secular school on Sunday for some time) or religious requires a curriculum and a text book.

This must ever be the method in an assembly Sunday School. The curriculum must be based upon the Text Book and derived from it. Our text book must not conform to our prescribed studies; our plan of studies must conform to the Divine Test (sic?) Book, The Bible.

Near the beginning of the its history the Hamilton assembly followed the worthy example of Raikes and Stokes; a very productive Sunday School was commenced. While we do not have authentic information regarding its start, we do have a report from a former scholar which scans that noble effort of some 70 to 75 years ago.

When George Nunn in 1899 moved from Bolton to Hamilton, he transferred his interests and fellowship from the assembly at Bolton to that of MacNab Street, Hamilton. So deeply involved did he become in the work there that eventually he was a member of the Trusteeship in connection with the property of the assembly.

His three children regularly attended the Sunday School. the youngest, Louis, who was born in 1892, is today a charming young lady of 31 years of age, and the manager of her own Health Food Shop in downtown Hamilton. Alert, and very acute of memory, she readily recalled her early days at the MacNab Street Sunday School.

"As a very little girl," began Mrs. Louise Taylor, for such is her name now, "I went first to the Sunday School at Bolton. Then when I was about seven, we moved to Hamilton and I went to the MacNab Sunday School with my brother and sister who were quite a bit older than I. I remember how my father prayed for his children, and his children's children yet to be. It was those prayers that changed my attitude of criticism and resentfulness, for in my teens I was embittered by certain restrictions; I wished that I could go to a bigger church, I can recall getting off the street car at the corner of Cannon and James Streets and wanting so much to go to [https://www.knoxwaterdown.ca/about/history-knox-presbyterian-church-waterdown Knox Church]. All that resentment and grudge left when I was twenty, and I shall never forget how that one night I knelt by my bed and took Christ as my Saviour."

"You were twenty years old before you were saved," exclaimed James Gunn, breaking in upon the reminiscences. "Yes, I was. We had left MacNab before that. About 1915 we left and went to Bethany. In 1919, while in Bethany Chapel, just after partaking of the Lord's Supper, my father bowed his head and passed away."

"What a wonderful way to go home!" broke in both Gordon Thomson and James Gunn. "Yes, a very wonderful way; from the Lord's Table to the Lord's presence," answered Mrs. Taylor. "Do you retain the memory of your Sunday School teacher's name?" enquired Gordon Thomson. "There was a Mr. Grant," replied Mrs. Taylor. "Would that be Alex Grant's grandfather?" asked James Gunn. "No," replied Gordon Thomson, "he would be no relative." (Louise continues), "I can remember listening attentively to my teacher. He was very earnest and I really took in what he said. It was not until I was well on in my teens that I criticized."

"Do you have any recollection of who the elders were in those early years, Mrs. Taylor," questioned Gordon Thomson. "O yes! There was Mr. Best, Mr. Arthur Thomas - a great friend of my father, Mr. Harvey Galloway, Mr. Marks, Mr. Duncan and others." "You must have been one of the earliest scholars of MacNab Sunday School," added Gordon Thomson. "I suppose I was, the Sunday School was pretty small in those days," was the reply. "It seems that apart from your father's home," suggested Gordon Thomson, "MacNab was the first place where you understood the gospel." "Yes, definitely, yes, and although for a time I wanted to go to a bigger church and to parties and other places, that early teaching never left me. I feel that it was my father's prayers and that teaching which led me to kneel that night by my bed and give myself to the Lord."

"May I ask you, Mrs. Taylor, where do you fellowship now?" queried Gordon Thomson. "Yes, I go to the Baptist Church, the [https://www.hughson.ca/ Hughson Street Baptist]. After my husband died, I joined and took a class of boys, and I have been teaching ever since." "You are still teaching Sunday School at 81! exclaimed both men. "Yes, I am still teaching." "You are teaching the same truth that you yourself learned at the MacNab Sunday School those many years ago." "Thank you so much," said James Gunn and thus brought to close a delightful and inspiring experience.

Since Mrs. Taylor was a little girl numerous sincere brethren have carried the responsibility of the Sunday School. As one Superintendent grew older, a younger was prepared to assume the duties. We thank God for the leadership of such men as William Duncan, Angus Munro, Elwood Marks, William Fraser, Gordon Thomson, Alex Grant, Kenneth Jones, Stewart Jones, and for the brother who now holds the position, Douglas Agnew.

Occasionally one is asked if Sunday School work is productive and permanent. The two pictures of Mrs. Anthony Price's class answers the question better than words. A number of little children in the class picture taken in 1922 are seen in the second one taken 40 years later. All in the second picture are in assemblies in Hamilton. These former scholars met together to honor their teacher. Such an occasion must be a real compensation for the hours spent in preparation and teaching lessons to little folk.

MacNab Assembly also took a very keen interest in the first Sunday School Teachers' Conferences held in [[Ontario]]. The earliest efforts of this kind were sponsored by Angus Munro. Other brethren quickly gave encouragement and good support. These conferences were helped by Mervyn Paul, Ormer G.C. Sprunt, R.J. Littleproud, (all three of Toronto), William J. Pell (Grand Rapids, [[Michigan|MI]]) and others. Their counsel and instruction to younger brethren and sisters were highly appreciated.